CHAPTER 60

The tension in the Moretti estate had shifted from a smoldering undercurrent to an oppressive weight, heavy with anticipation. Every member of the household seemed to move more carefully, their steps quieter, their gazes more cautious. Helena’s message had rattled everyone, but Zane refused to let it take root.

For Maya, the stakes had never been higher. It wasn’t just about her reputation or her place in the Moretti family anymore. Helena’s grasp on her father’s company was a new kind of leverage—one that threatened the fragile stability Maya’s family had managed to maintain.

Helena’s Shadow Looms

Two days later, Alex brought news that made Maya’s heart sink.

“We’ve confirmed Helena’s ties to the DeLuca family,” Alex said during a meeting in Zane’s study. “The connection is subtle—hidden behind multiple layers of shell companies and intermediaries—but it’s there. She’s aligning herself with them for financial backing and influence.”

Zane sat behind his desk, his silver eyes blazing with anger. “What does she want from them?”

“Power,” Alex said simply. “The DeLucas don’t move without expecting something in return. Whatever Helena has promised them, it must be significant.”

Maya’s stomach twisted. “She’s risking everything to win this war. What if the DeLucas give her the resources to destroy us?”

“They won’t,” Zane said firmly. “The DeLucas are dangerous, but they’re also predictable. They won’t make a move unless they’re sure it will benefit them. That’s our advantage.”

Maya glanced at Alex. “And my father’s company?”

Alex’s expression was grim. “Helena’s already making changes. She’s appointing people loyal to her, consolidating control. If she continues, she’ll be able to dismantle Davis Enterprises completely.”

Maya’s chest tightened, but she squared her shoulders. “Then we stop her before she can do any more damage.”

A Meeting with Charles

Later that day, Maya insisted on meeting her father in the city. Charles Davis had always been a proud man, but when she entered his office, she was struck by how much he seemed to have aged in recent months.

“Maya,” Charles said, standing to greet her. His smile was warm, but there was a weariness in his eyes. “It’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too, Dad,” Maya said, embracing him briefly before sitting across from his desk. “But we need to talk about Helena.”

Charles’ expression darkened. “I’ve heard the rumors. She’s taken control of a significant portion of our holdings. My hands are tied, Maya. I don’t have the resources to fight her.”

“You don’t have to fight her alone,” Maya said, her voice steady. “Zane and I are working on a plan to expose her connections to the DeLuca family and her illegal dealings. Once we do, her grip on Davis Enterprises will weaken.”

Charles hesitated, his gaze searching hers. “You’ve already done so much, Maya. I don’t want you risking more for my mistakes.”

“This isn’t just about your mistakes,” Maya said, her tone soft but firm. “This is about our family. Helena is trying to destroy us, and I won’t let her.”

Charles nodded, a glimmer of pride in his tired eyes. “You’ve grown stronger than I ever imagined, Maya. Your mother would be proud.”

Helena Strikes Again

That evening, the Moretti estate was plunged into chaos when a series of false stories hit the media.

“Exclusive: Maya Davis’ Family Faces Financial Collapse Amid Scandal.”

“Insiders Claim Maya’s Marriage to Zane Moretti Was a Strategic Move to Save Her Family.”

Maya’s phone buzzed incessantly as she scrolled through the articles, her hands trembling. The media had twisted the truth, making it seem as though she had manipulated Zane into marriage to protect her family’s financial interests.

Reese stormed into the suite, her face flushed with anger. “This is insane, Maya. They’re making you look like some kind of gold digger!”

Maya pressed her hand to her forehead, her mind racing. “It’s Helena. She’s trying to turn public opinion against me again.”

Reese’s jaw tightened. “Then we need to fight back. Don’t let her control the narrative.”

Zane’s Unyielding Support

When Zane returned to the suite, he found Maya staring out the window, her arms wrapped around herself.

“She’s relentless,” Maya said quietly, not turning to face him. “No matter what we do, she keeps coming.”

Zane crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her from behind, his presence solid and reassuring. “She’s lashing out because she knows she’s losing. The more desperate she gets, the more mistakes she’ll make.”

Maya turned to face him, her green eyes filled with uncertainty. “What if it’s not enough, Zane? What if she wins?”

“She won’t,” Zane said firmly, his silver eyes locking onto hers. “Because she’s underestimated you, Maya. You’re stronger than she’ll ever be.”

Maya leaned into him, drawing strength from his unwavering confidence. “Then let’s make her pay for everything she’s done.”

A Dangerous Alliance

Far away, in a private villa on the Amalfi Coast, Helena met with Alessandro DeLuca, the patriarch of the DeLuca family.

“I trust the arrangement is to your satisfaction,” Alessandro said, his voice smooth as silk.

Helena smiled, though her eyes glinted with icy determination. “It’s perfect. With your support, I’ll have the resources to take back control of Moretti Corps—and to eliminate Zane and Maya as obstacles.”

Alessandro raised a glass of red wine, his smile faint but calculating. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Helena. If you lose, there will be no second chances.”

Helena’s smile widened, but her voice was steel. “I don’t lose.”

The Calm Before the Storm

As the night deepened, Maya and Zane sat together on the balcony, the cool breeze brushing against their skin. The city lights twinkled below, a stark contrast to the storm brewing in their lives.

“She’s building something bigger,” Maya said softly. “I can feel it.”

Zane nodded, his jaw tightening. “Whatever it is, we’ll be ready.”

Maya turned to him, her green eyes filled with determination. “Promise me, Zane. No matter what happens, we won’t let her win.”

Zane pulled her closer, his voice steady and certain. “I promise, Maya. Together, we’ll destroy her.”

The air between them crackled with resolve, a quiet strength that would carry them through the battles to come. But deep down, both of them knew that Helena’s next move would test them like never before.